Bacterial vaginosis is an inflammation in the vagina. It’s caused by an overgrowth of bacteria and causes a vaginal discharge that has a fish like odor that can also be milky white, yellow or a gray like color. Doctor’s are unable to determine one cause that can cause this infection, since there are many different types of natural bacteria that live in the vagina, however one cause of overgrowth can cause this infection. There are many different types of medications as well as natural remedies that can be used to treat this infection, however over the counter treatment for bacterial vaginosis is limited.

When diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis your doctor may prescribe you some type of antibiotic such as metronidazole and clindamycin. Over the counter treatment for bacterial vaginosis is limited. There are such things as a vaginal gel called Rephresh, boric acid capsules, lactobacillus can also be used.

If you feel like you do have this infection then it’s best to consult your doctor to have it treated right away. Some symptoms can include, burning while urinating, itching and the area around the vagina may feel very tender. In some cases bacterial vaginosis may go away on its own or some women may not have any symptoms, however if it is left untreated it can cause addition health problems.

Bacterial vaginosis is known to increase the chance of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease, that’s including HIV. It’s been known in some cases of pregnant women to give birth prematurely and it’s also associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, especially following surgical procedures such as an abortion, hysterectomy and c-section. So if you are pregnant and you think you are suffering from bacterial vaginosis, consult your doctor so that you can have it treated right away.

Even though there are some over the counter treatment for bacterial vaginosis, you may want to consult your doctor first before you go and spend your hard earned money. The only reason is that, this type of infection can often times be confused with a yeast infection or trichomoniasis.

All three of these infections are vaginitis and often times they can get mistaken for one or the other. The best bet is to consult your doctor so they can take an example of the vaginal discharge to best determine which infection you have, so that you will be able to have it treated right away.